At the base of the sweeping double staircase leading to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Manaus is Matriz Square. This center of Manaus was once encircled by grand commercial buildings. Today, it tends to be overwhelmed with traffic and people but has significantly improved since its restoration. The centerpiece of Praça da Matriz is a cast-iron fountain manufactured in Glasgow and installed in 1896. On top is Venus balancing an urn. Beneath the Roman goddess are sculptures of eagles and joyful boys. The bas-reliefs at the base portray tritons. These half-man, half-fish were the Greek messengers of the sea.
